OPT Installation Technician Jobs
Installation Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical fields. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in telecommunications, construction, and manufacturing regularly hire OPT candidates for hands-on installation work.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: Sep 21, 2026
Location:
DENVER, CO, US, 80000
Reference Number: 5287
Department: Engineering
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Rate of Pay: $38.18/hr
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.
If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.
Description
Our team of Installation Technicians climb and work on radio towers at heights from 100 to 500 feet. These dedicated professionals install and maintain antenna and transmission systems on radio towers, build telecommunication facilities to include radio towers, generators, and buildings. As an Installation Technician, you will learn how to install the major communications components in our telecommunications network! We are powered by our people, will you join our team?
Required Certifications: For this position, you will be required to become a Union Pacific certified driver during your probationary period. To become certified, you must meet the following Motor Vehicle and Medical Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Have valid driver's license
- Have an acceptable driving record per your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- You may also be required to obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you will be operating a vehicle(s) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or greater. If this is required, you will need to obtain your CDL during your probationary period.
Medical Requirements: Must meet the medical requirements (also called physical qualifications) for commercial motor vehicle drivers as specified by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA physical qualifications for drivers can be found on the FMCSA homepage. Health and Medical Services at Union Pacific Railroad will make the final determination on whether or not an individual meets the FMCSA medical qualifications, and may add additional medical requirements to assure the person can safely perform job tasks, with or without accommodation.
Accountabilities
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and effectively handle controversy
- Read prints, schematics and technical manuals, have basic understanding of AC & DC theory, Ohms Law, DC and AC charging and rectifying systems
- Use a variety of test equipment
- Troubleshoot failures, and restore service for variety of RF transceivers
Qualifications - Required
- Computer literate and have basic keyboarding skills
- Valid driver's license
- Must have the following: 1) formal training equivalent to an associate's degree or higher in the electronics field or a related technical field OR 2) 2+ years of experience working with electrical components or working with electronic equipment (e.g., communications, cellular, airplanes, ships, wind turbines etc.)
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A or can obtain one within your probationary period
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
- Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
Qualifications - Preferred
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Work Conditions
Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.
What we offer:
- A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
- Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
- Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
Background Check Investigation
Medical Review
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation
Date: Sep 21, 2026
Location:
DENVER, CO, US, 80000
Reference Number: 5287
Department: Engineering
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Rate of Pay: $38.18/hr
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.
If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.
Description
Our team of Installation Technicians climb and work on radio towers at heights from 100 to 500 feet. These dedicated professionals install and maintain antenna and transmission systems on radio towers, build telecommunication facilities to include radio towers, generators, and buildings. As an Installation Technician, you will learn how to install the major communications components in our telecommunications network! We are powered by our people, will you join our team?
Required Certifications: For this position, you will be required to become a Union Pacific certified driver during your probationary period. To become certified, you must meet the following Motor Vehicle and Medical Requirements:
- Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Have valid driver's license
- Have an acceptable driving record per your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- You may also be required to obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you will be operating a vehicle(s) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or greater. If this is required, you will need to obtain your CDL during your probationary period.
Medical Requirements: Must meet the medical requirements (also called physical qualifications) for commercial motor vehicle drivers as specified by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA physical qualifications for drivers can be found on the FMCSA homepage. Health and Medical Services at Union Pacific Railroad will make the final determination on whether or not an individual meets the FMCSA medical qualifications, and may add additional medical requirements to assure the person can safely perform job tasks, with or without accommodation.
Accountabilities
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and effectively handle controversy
- Read prints, schematics and technical manuals, have basic understanding of AC & DC theory, Ohms Law, DC and AC charging and rectifying systems
- Use a variety of test equipment
- Troubleshoot failures, and restore service for variety of RF transceivers
Qualifications - Required
- Computer literate and have basic keyboarding skills
- Valid driver's license
- Must have the following: 1) formal training equivalent to an associate's degree or higher in the electronics field or a related technical field OR 2) 2+ years of experience working with electrical components or working with electronic equipment (e.g., communications, cellular, airplanes, ships, wind turbines etc.)
- Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A or can obtain one within your probationary period
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
- Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
Qualifications - Preferred
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
Work Conditions
Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.
What we offer:
- A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
- Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
- Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
Background Check Investigation
Medical Review
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation
See all 34+ OPT Installation Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Installation Technician
Confirm your degree field supports the role
Installation Technician positions typically require a background in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Before applying, verify your degree field directly supports the technical work, this strengthens your STEM OPT extension eligibility and reassures employers about your authorization timeline.
Address OPT upfront with field-based employers
Contractors and field service companies often have less HR infrastructure than large corporations. Bring a printed copy of your EAD card and OPT approval notice to interviews. A brief, confident explanation of your work authorization removes hesitation before it becomes an objection.
Emphasize hands-on technical experience
Employers hiring Installation Technicians prioritize demonstrated technical skills over academic credentials alone. Highlight internships, lab work, or personal projects involving wiring, hardware setup, or equipment calibration. Concrete examples of physical technical work close the gap between campus experience and field readiness.
Target employers with existing OPT or H-1B history
Companies that have previously sponsored international workers are more comfortable with OPT timelines. Research employers in telecommunications infrastructure, building automation, and industrial equipment installation, these sectors have consistent hiring needs and more familiarity with work authorization requirements.
Obtain relevant certifications before you apply
Credentials like OSHA 10, CompTIA Network+, or low-voltage installation certifications signal job-readiness to field employers. Certifications reduce perceived onboarding risk, which matters when employers are weighing OPT candidates against those with unrestricted work authorization.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Installation roles often involve background checks, safety training, and equipment onboarding before your first day in the field. Starting the application process six to eight weeks before your OPT begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring without authorization gaps causing scheduling problems.
Installation Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Installation Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree field. If your degree is in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, or a related STEM discipline listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, the role can qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. The job duties must directly relate to your field of study, so roles involving systems installation, hardware configuration, or network infrastructure typically have a stronger case than general labor positions.
Will employers in the trades and field services industry sponsor OPT students?
Some will. Larger companies in telecommunications, building automation, fire and security systems, and industrial equipment installation are more likely to have experience with OPT candidates than small regional contractors. Focusing your search on mid-size to enterprise employers with dedicated HR teams improves your odds. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, making it easier to identify which Installation Technician employers are open to OPT candidates.
Can I work as an Installation Technician on Day 1 OPT before my EAD arrives?
No. You cannot begin work until you have your physical EAD card in hand, even if your OPT start date has already passed. Plan your job search and offer acceptance timeline accordingly, and notify your employer of your expected EAD receipt date. USCIS first-time EAD processing can take eight to ten weeks from application, so apply as early as your DSO permits.
What should I include in my resume to stand out for Installation Technician roles on OPT?
Lead with technical skills specific to the role: cabling systems, conduit installation, low-voltage wiring, PLC configuration, or whatever your coursework and experience support. List any certifications prominently. Include a clear work authorization line such as 'Authorized to work in the U.S. on F-1 OPT (STEM extension eligible)' so recruiters immediately understand your status without having to ask.
How do I find Installation Technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Standard job searches often bury sponsorship information or omit it entirely, forcing you to apply and ask later. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Installation Technician roles from employers who are open to OPT work authorization. Filtering by STEM eligibility and sponsorship status saves significant time compared to applying broadly and screening employers yourself.